Former Australian fullback and legendary Springboks rival Israel Folau be playing for Tongs in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: EPA/JAN TOUZEAU
Israel Folau and Malakai Fekitoa are among those who could capitalise on the groundbreaking World Rugby decision on Test eligibility.
Former Australian fullback and legendary Springboks rival Israel Folau be playing for Tongs in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: EPA/JAN TOUZEAU
On Wednesday, World Rugby dramatically approved a Test eligibility change to allow players to switch nationality after a three year stand-down period.
READ | WORLD RUGBY APPROVES TEST ELIGIBILITY CHANGE!
The amendment to the sport’s regulations governing national team representation will now permit an international player to transfer once from one union to another subject to demonstrating a close and credible link to that union via birth right.
From 1 January, 2022, in order to transfer from one union to another under the revised Regulation 8 (eligibility), a player will need to achieve the below criteria:
After 1 January 2022, any player who meets the above criteria can apply immediately for a transfer.
15 Charles Piutau (could switch to Tonga from New Zealand)
14 Israel Folau (Tonga, from Australia)
13 Tevita Kuridrani (Fiji, from Australia)
12 Ngani Laumape (Tonga, from New Zealand)
11 Malakai Fekitoa (Tonga, from New Zealand)
10 Lima Sopoaga (Samoa, from New Zealand)
9 Morgan Parra (Portugal, from France)
8 Nathan Hughes (Fiji, from England)
7 Jordi Murphy (Spain, from New Zealand)
6 Don Armand (Zimbabwe, from England)
5 Steven Luatua (Samoa, from England)
4 Vaea Fifita (Tonga, from New Zealand)
3 Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen (Samoa, from New Zealand)
2 Agustin Creevy (Italy, from Argentina)
1 Alec Hepburn (Australia, from England)
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